GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Averett University men's basketball team used a pair of late free throws and a stop in the final seconds to help defeat Greensboro College 74-71 on Wednesday afternoon.

The win sets up Averett (16-8, 10-3 USA South) for a chance to clinch the outright USA South Conference regular season championship with a victory over William Peace University on Friday night. A win over the Pacers would also give the Cougars the No. 1 seed and the right to host the conference tournament next week.

Averett needed some heroics to overcome a late deficit to Greensboro (14-10, 7-6 USA South) and keep itself in the driver's seat to win the conference's regular season. Trailing 71-70 with under a minute to play, junior Bradley Robinson put Averett back in front by one with a steal in the backcourt and a layup. Greensboro turned the ball over on its ensuing possession, forcing the Pride to foul.

With 10 seconds remaining, Averett got a pair of clutch free throws from junior Devontae Pannell, giving the Cougars a one-possession lead. Greensboro had a chance to force overtime on its next possession, but its 3-point attempt fell short as time expired, giving Averett the crucial win.

Averett led the entire first half and never trailed until the final 10 minutes of the game. Greensboro held a 71-64 advantage with just less than four minutes remaining in the game before the Cougars responded with an 8-0 run to retake the lead on Robinson's layup, which gave the Cougars a 72-71 lead.

The Cougars' defense was key down the stretch as it forced several crucial turnovers late in the game, allowing Averett to reestablish its lead. Along with the turnovers, the Cougars held the Pride to a 38 percent shooting performance from the field along with a 7-for-22 performance from 3-point range.

Averett used effective shooting from the field in the first half to establish a 29-19 advantage thanks to senior Cody Stephens' layup at the 4:56 mark. Greensboro, though, went on a 19-9 tear to close the half, cutting the Cougars' lead to 38-35 at the break.

Offensively, Stephens led Averett with 21 points, while sophomore Charles Bryant added 18 in the victory. Bryant paced Averett under the boards, grabbing eight rebounds and Robinson and West each added seven. Junior Carter Jones finished with six rebounds.

Averett had another strong shooting performance from the field, going 30-for-60 in the victory.

Parris Scales paced the Pride with 12 points off the bench.

Averett returns to action when it hosts William Peace University on Friday night at the Grant Center in its home finale. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., preceded by Senior Night ceremonies.